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Dulles International Airport has launched the Washington region’s first nonstop flight to Taiwan, adding a roughly 7,800-mile journey that is now the longest route available from any D.C.-area airport.

EVA Air marked the inaugural flight on June 26 with a water cannon salute, traditional dragon and lion dances, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Representatives from the airline, Taiwan’s government, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the Virginia Department of Aviation attended the celebration.

Paul Bobson, the airports authority’s vice president for airline business development, said expanding the region’s connections with Asia has been a strategic priority. He said the Taipei service would support trade, tourism and cultural exchange.

The approximately 15-hour flight to Taoyuan International Airport will operate four days a week throughout the year aboard a Boeing 787-9. Passengers can choose among Royal Laurel, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Available economy fares for travel in the coming months started at about $1,000.

As the first nonstop service connecting the two cities, the route is expected to cut seven to eight hours from trips that previously required a layover.

Taiwanese officials who returned to Taipei aboard the inaugural flight described the connection as an opportunity to deepen ties with the United States. Legislative speaker Han Kuo-Yu, who led a cross-party delegation on a nearly weeklong U.S. visit, called the route a sign of growing travel demand and a milestone in the partnership between Taiwan and the United States.

The delegation first visited a Taiwanese semiconductor company in Phoenix before traveling to Washington for meetings with the State Department, Department of Defense, White House and House of Representatives. The officials sought progress on a $14 billion arms package that has remained under review for months despite preliminary congressional approval.

U.S. law requires the country to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. China considers the self-governed island part of its territory.

The Taiwan route arrives during a period of rapid growth and construction at Dulles, which handled a record 29 million passengers in 2025. About 600 workers are completing the $700 million Concourse E, a 14-gate facility scheduled to begin serving United Airlines this fall.

Air Premia also introduced nonstop service to South Korea in the spring, giving Dulles its first new route to that country in more than 30 years.